2023 Kia Sportage XPro Review and Off-Road Test

[@zackdiehl81]

I personally own this vehicle in the exact same setup, This guy just is babying the car! Put the thing in sport mode and hit the "rear locks" and send it! Lol I have had zero problems with this car and it's done everything I've wanted it to do with obviously understanding its limitations... But I have never had any issues with it climbing a hill or being underpowered, to be honest most all terrain military vehicles only have about 200 horsepower. As far as him CONSTANTLY reminding everybody that it doesn't have underbody protection. I have bottomed this thing out on more Ttrails than I can count, and it's never got damaged. Everything is tucked up pretty well and it's been fine so far. (Othen then the front lower grill faring popping a alittle bit, do to coming down a steep hill too fast) Quick fix though. I have 14,000 miles on this vehicle already and it's still driving perfectly fine.

[@DSAL85]

Is it good in the snow?

[@zackdiehl81]

@DSAL85 actually yes, I've went through two winters with it so far. I have the off-road package though. It comes with BFG all-terrain tires.

[@CanDrive]

I own a phev ex which is a 1.6L turbo delivers a combined 261 hp and 251 lbft. I also haven't experienced any problems with my beast

[@zackdiehl81]

@@CanDrive I put mine through so much already, I got about 40k miles on it. They said I can go off-road, so I'm doing it LOL

[@CanDrive]

@zackdiehl81 I'm not doing any off-road, but I'm sure it can go off-road. And it's way better than any of it's competitors. Kia has changed a lot

[@frankrivera6794]

This is literally the most in-depth review of a vehicle I've ever seen on KZbin. Excellent job. Also, they do have a skid plate option for an additional $200, but it should definitely be included at this price.

[@magg1037]

Never tested in sport mode. Smart mode is made to get better mpg not power. This guy don't know this vehicle.

[@collinstuart3622]

And that vehicle also has sand mode and mud and snow mode that he didn’t not use

[@ATRichard]

@@collinstuart3622I’ve only seen where the Canadian-spec Kias have the “Terrain modes”. U.S. models just have regular drive modes. I worked in product planning a couple years at the company.

[@ilyaskassymbekov7739]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4a4hoKCntR1fK8si=TTQidqVVbSRG73XW. Only off road test. But only in Russia language.

[@niuhuskieguy]

Maybe you should use your wife's Crosstrek as your test vehicle for baselining crossover hills instead of the Ranger. Use the Ranger for the harder stuff.

[@jediguy634]

He had a Compass Trailhawk not to long ago. Not sure what happened to that, but would also make a good "baseline" vehicle to compare everything else to.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@jediguy634 if I’m not mistaking he cashed out and flipped it pretty quick.

[@quinnycoleman7214]

I dont know, while i want to agree i think the baseline should be more capable to give a clearer comparison to something, if neither can do it there is no longer a comparison

[@PatrickRich]

I've started calling those "lock" buttons "more AWD please" buttons because that's all it is - a suggestion to the computer that you'd like the coupler to be more proactive.

[@drivingsports]

That’s perfect.

[@pepeshopping]

They are not. The car ALWAYS starts in full AWD. The button simply makes the center diff stay engaged until 30-40 mph. So in this case, the button does nothing at all.

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

@@pepeshopping There's no certain rule for that, LOCK mode may be tuned in different ways. Car may always start in AWD but after one or two seconds it may switch to 2WD (if there's live friction calculation model included). LOCK mode may be active in full speed range and never switch to 2WD but the torque split/clutch-pack compression will be variable.

[@LiquidTurbo]

I usually watch 99% of KZbin on the computer or mobile, for some reason I put DSTV on the big TV; it has a production value of a TV show so its been amazing watching all the episodes on the big screen. Thanks for everything you do!

[@jpnorth3557]

In your Tucson test people wanted you to try Snow Mode and you did on your second try and I think it was surprisingly better. You should tell Hyundai/Kia to give us the Canadian Mud and Sand Modes-I think that’s what multi-terrain is referring to and the US only gets one of the terrain modes… Snow.

[@rachelkarengreen99]

Nah the "snow" mode in that video didn't do any better than the smart mode.

[@davidbyczek7354]

I've got the X-Pro Prestige PHEV ordered. Should be here next month. No all-terrain tires, almost 100 horsepower more, and 6 speed DCT.

[@pamelatlynch]

I absolutely love your videos. You don't hold back, which is something I look for when reviewing a car. I was told to buy a Kia by a mechanic because of the warranty. I was not sold then. Even after watching this video, I would rather get a Subaru or the Bronco before I ever consider a Kia. Thanks for the video!

[@RigiLiquid945]

Great review! That hill makes your review process so good to see and compare the different vehicles in the same situation. That first corner in the loose dirt, how sad. Too bad you didn't try snow mode on that course (not saying it would have done better, just would be good to see how it would react). I have a 2015 AWD Sportage LX, not even the same car at all anymore, but I have not once been in trouble on bad winter roads and highways with winter tires in Canada.

[@pablomoreno1999]

i think smart mode only changes the other modes automatically, for instance when joining the highway and you accelerate hard, smart mode engages sport mode until you release some pressure and goes back into normal or eco, that's it i don't understand why people (because it is not only you that i have seen doing it) keep blaming tyres for not getting grip when they are on the air or barely touching the ground, and the tyres with load don't even try. that clearly is a traction control issue...not AWD, because unloaded wheels spin at the same speed, but traction control

[@Kerst12_Games]

smart isn't traction based, smart is fuel economy-based. Smart mode replaced Eco mode in most KIA's and is a reactive drive mode, basically if the smart symbol on the dash is light blue it means the car is giving you optimal fuel economy, if its white/red it means you've asked for more acceleration/power from the engine and it took you out of the economy mode to get you the acceleration/power you need until you let off the gas again to drive more eco friendly. snow mode is traction based

[@HughJashole69]

Waited for this. I’ve had mine for 2 months. I’ll add some things as the video goes on and not gojng to go back if they’re talked about later in the video. With the dynamic driving display it not only changes with the time but with the weather. If it rains it will show rain on the display. They came out with a huge software update that gets rid of that awful display with the tubes. Only problem is it takes forever to update. It literally took me about 3-4 hours over several days. The good thing is it doesn’t have to be on the whole time. It will continue the update as you turn the car off and on. The vehicle being slow is quite annoying to me at times but i overall don’t mind. Part of me wishes I waited til the hybrid was available to purchase but those are 3-4 month wait and this was on the lot ready to buy. I don’t really go off road but while test driving it, I was amazed at how much it absorbed hitting potholes and other road hazards. I’m not a car expert by any means so maybe to me it was just amazing and some experts on KZbin might not agree but it’s subjective and I really enjoy that aspect of it. I didn’t compare to the regular sportage because I test drove this first and didn’t want to risk someone else potentially purchasing it. Overall a great vehicle with great features. Took it on a 7 hour road trip and it was a great drive as it should be being brand new. Have 3k miles on it and look forward to many more.

[@Midnightincubus]

The update was a welcome sight! Loving mine as well.

[@Chr1s520]

Thanks for the shout about the update! Display definitely needs a change. We got ours last week and did an extended Mt Evans to Rocky Mountain National Park day trip. Super comfortable.

[@CC-wm1yq]

Just a heads up that the Sportage you reviewed wasn’t updated. There was an updated released a couple months ago that changed the tube look of the radio stations.

[@angelsangalang3445]

I feel like that for the croosovers the Subaru Crosstrek (the car your wife owns) is a perfect base result for crossovers because that and the other cars you mentioned are built the same as the Crosstrek/Forester/Outback and Bronco Sport. But most likely the Subarus because the AWD system are brake vector-based systems compared to the broncos torque vector-based and the Ranger or 4-runners traditional 4wd systems

[@cyberhard]

Nice review Ryan! I think you're the first and only to state you really like the ac/audio controls. Seems like a nice idea to me. With audio controls on the steering wheel, how often is one reaching to the center console to fiddle with audio?

[@_bluewoman]

Have this exact model. It's not very often I keep it on the media setting. Almost always on climate

[@loukasantoniou8054]

sine you mentioned it, a center diff locker will not split the torque 50-50. It will have the axels rolling with the same speed while allowing ''infinate'' torque distirbution. if needed, all the torque can be sent to either axle. If the vehile does not have a diff, but just the transfer case, then yes, the torque is 50-50.

[@bcrouse1]

Thank you, you did it. Wondering if slightly better tires would do any better. I love the looks of this vehicle and will mostly use it in snow and some back roads. Can you think of any vehicle that I would like as good or should this work for me?

[@rondail5675]

I really like it! Nice styling, no CVT, fair price, and safety features. It seems that snow/ice is the best it will support.

[@infernoking7504]

Styling😂😂😂 its fugly

[@_bluewoman]

@@infernoking7504 it's polarizing. I personally really like the way it looks but can see why some people wouldn't

[@hermanjohnson9180]

Kia is so smart. Great handling on road, economic/reliable, and can deal with off road. What a brilliant AWD vehicle! I'm amazed that no other manufacturer has gone for this.

[@danrussell3509]

Clearly the best in depth honest review I have seen to date on all of the features that I had concerns about . For that , I thank you ! For the price tag I now feel it does not live completely up to the $$$ they want for what you are getting or I should say for what they say you are getting . Power is a major concern for me and to those who think you can not have power while getting good gas milage you are wrong . Just because you have power does not mean you have to bury the gas pedal to the floor all the time but it would be very nice to have it when you do need it . Even if the price point is a bit more . It is still a very nice SUV in many aspects but as I said , it just doesn't have the value as a total package for myself . Thanks again for your honesty !

[@farzadgolestan]

Awesome review, I have never seen kind of review before, but what about Nissan Qashqai in this class, is that a good family car?

[@matthewfoat2135]

Canadian models have drive / terrain modes where USA models have the differential lock button

[@bikesbeardsbeers94]

These will sell well. It’s a good looking little crossover and I’m glad they fitted it with a conventional automatic instead of their DCT. Edit: Very disappointed in its off-road performance though.

[@karsaorlong4391]

Better tires would do wonders and even then, you are still dealing with a Sportage, don't expect too much.

[@leekyciabrown3769]

@karsaorlong4391 what kind of tires would you suggest then

[@timothyy_saechao]

I def agree with the adaptive cruise control from Hyundai/Kia. It's one of the best I've experienced even on my recent 2020 Tucson. My Subaru now likes to ping pong me side to side which I hate.

[@douglasdever6134]

But didn't you take the Tucson on the course with the large rocks and yet, ground clearance is the same. Kia does offer a front underbody shield for 200 bucks.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hey Ryan, I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning. Back when you only had about 20K subscribers. Your reviews were thorough and honest. For the past 3 years or so, I noticed that your videos have been heavily Subaru focused, and in every crossover video there is a mention of a Subaru in some kind of form. At the beginning of this video you talk about the Wilderness trims, and how Subaru went “ALL IN”, but with a modest lift and modest improvement to crawl ratios (that match a Nissan Rogue) and no change to the open front and rear differentials, is this true? Back in 2016, Honda released a vehicle with class leading crawl ratio, with a highly effective rear twin clutch limited slip differential. Skid plates can easily be installed by just about anyone, and a lift kit can be installed by any local shop. But Swapping in a new transmission to replace the CVT, can’t be easily done. Actually, there is no such thing as a transmission upgrade for a modern Subaru. So, My humble question is: “how can Subaru be “ALL IN” when it still chooses to use CVT transmissions?” I miss the honesty of this channel, and my hope is that a comment like this can bring you back to the good old days.

[@supriyasou3722]

true statement

[@drivingsports]

I’m terms of marketing to a trend Subaru went all in by addressing several key improvements: ground clearance, approach and departure (within limits of the platform), tires (full size spare), modified AWD programs and underbody protection from the factory (both front and rear diff guards available rolled into a car payment with Wilderness.) Honda has a great platform, but the TrailSport package is quite obviously just a sticker package - today. We know tomorrow will be different but we’re not there yet. That was the subject of this review. The Kia in this review and pretty much all off-road trimmed crossovers are targeting Subaru. Not Honda or anyone else for that matter. In your comment Jon you have a valid point, but it’s about a single component of the equation. With no full size spare, that Honda TrailSport won’t go far with a flat (as we’ve seen in our videos) at that point it doesn’t matter what transmission it has. Yes someone can add a full size, but that’s not what most buyers do. Today the Subaru is still a better all-around package for light off-road use from the factory. Even with a CVT. This comes not just from their success in the space, but from my personal experience. If we get in talking aftermarket mods - that’s a different topic. (And at that point maybe just get a 4Runner 😂)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@drivingsports thanks for taking the time to reply to me Ryan. I agree with you 100% that the Trailsport is just a sticker package, which means you can purchase a cheaper trim with the same ZF9 transmission with a 20.4:1 crawl ratio that isn’t quick to stall, where as a base model forester is geared 13.3.1 and then gets bumped up to 16.7:1 in the wilderness trim (which is the same as a base model Nissan Rogue). Same open differentials where as a base model Passport has a twin clutch rear limited slip. Ford only offers this hardware in the Bronco Sport badlands and the upcoming Maverick Tremor. I’d love to see Subaru offer more value, because you don’t get much for a wilderness. Perhaps they can make an even more aggressive 1st ratio where it’s only accessible through a button, and maybe they could offer LSDs or lockers. My guess is their just going to ride it out until they go full electric. Those 2025 CAFE standards are right around the corner and Subaru needs to transition fast to meet 54.5 corporate average MPGs.

[@k20z3allmotorFTW]

@@drivingsports modifications required like a full size spare small lift front skid and tires are basically dealer installed stuff now and as Jon said u cannot just upgrade a trans or a engine or drivetrain strength to make something more capable like on a wilderness. And yea a 4Runner? Not about to spend 50k with something that old and embarrassingly terrible at everything except off road. Then u have Toyota idiosyncrasies where u have a feature like remote start but as soon as u open the door it turns the engine off, or the constant beeping for anything u do would drive any normal person nuts. At this point it just makes sense to stop giving Toyota money till they build something that’s actually worth 50grand

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Is this true? According to Google, the aftermarket automotive industry is 560 billion dollars a year vs. the Automotive industry at a fraction of that at 85 Billion? I was going to say, it seems like the average consumer is more likely to modify a vehicle to make it more off-road compliant vs. leaving it stock. I can vouch, my 3.5 lifted Honda Passport on 2.5" taller tires still handles great onroad, considering that it has a roof top tent, heavy spare tires carrier and weights 1200 lbs. more than stock. Handles much better than my 2008 FJ Cruiser.

[@johnkosowski3321]

I don't think "smart" is the right selection for off road. I was in Moab a couple of days ago with my X-Line Prestige PHEV, and I think I was in "sport" most of the time. I did a 3/10 trail (Pucker Pass going up) that did have some tricky steep climbs, and I was really impressed how well it climbed right up. I had low expectations as the last time I was in Moab, I had my LR3. I was really pleasantly surprised. I wouldn't take it on something hard, but really not bad at all. I wish I had more time to try some slickrock climbs. I left traction control on, and I never needed to even try that "lock" thing. I thought the "lock" button just forced 4WD to stay on.

[@jedaniels94]

Call it a “center locking clutch pack”. I’m so happy to see this review. I had a test drive with this car scheduled for Monday. I’m canceling and calling the Subaru dealership instead.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Lmao. Subaru. You must be a gluten for punishment

[@hermanjohnson9180]

Subaru is better for off-road, but the Kia is much better as a daily driver. The center locking clutch pack is good ! It's AWD, not 4WD . Subaru is special because it's AWD and still very capable. Please keep these things in mind.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@hermanjohnson9180 Subaru is one of the only vehicles that has mechanical full time AWD. It's always coupled, which is archiac but pretty darn effective. Unfortunately, everything is still open differential. When the AWD system detects wheel slip, it reactively brake vectors, which takes time, and valuable momentum may have been lost at the point. Brake vectoring is used to help appropriate torque left to right, but the chain/belt continuously variable transmission, has a hard time coping with load and alot of times it just stalls out. The newer generation AWD vehicles have proactive traction aids like twin clutch limited slip differentials. For example, a 2016 Honda Pilot has only 1 open differential, which is the front. With the ZF9 transmission, it's geared very aggressively, for example a 2019+ Forester is geared 13.3:1, a Forester Wilderness 16.7:1, a 2016+ Pilot is geared 20.4:1. Check our video of my friends 2014 Subaru Outback attempting to climb Imogene Pass. It was a valiant attempt! She completed 96% of it because of all the modifications she installed (transmission cooler, rear diff locker). You'll notice that I don't talk about my Passport or my friends Ridgeline, it was too easy for us. While we don't drive 4WD, that's how they perform. They did not perform like the Subaru. Hopefully this information helps. Former Subaru owner here.

[@andyflander953]

Mercedes does this same thing with their 4x4 buttons in their Sprinters too, I think. Side note: Appreciate your previous review of the Trail Terrains! Switched from 19s to 18s on my Touareg and I threw those on. Have about 4k on them now. Ready to see how they’ll handle a Colorado winter.

[@matus201]

Touareg owner here too. How do you find them on highway?

[@andyflander953]

@@matus201 Touareg gang! Honestly, little to no difference in road noise from the previous all seasons I had. Driven on various roads with them; asphalt, cement, dirt, gravel. Going in for my first rotation with then this weekend. Assuming that they had normal wear and I won’t have to get the car re-aligned.

[@Albuermeduardo]

what if the smart setting is for max fuel economy? I wish you´ve tried every mode in the same spot to see the difference in response. Maybe snow would be the best mode for that type of scenario. Thanks for the content. Good as usually!

[@_bluewoman]

It is actually. Smart mode learns how you drive over time to cater the car to you. Snow is the only "offroad" mode. Albeit still not the greatest, I think it would have fared better in the appropriate mode!

[@bryan1480]

Thank you for trying to help us get heated steering wheels more readily available in Subarus!!

[@tallll70]

i like the screen as it at least attempts integration to dash unlike those flat panels in other models 🙂... it might cuts power when it starts heating up to prevent full stop overheated or something similar i hope, because it would be too big drawback if there would be some power delivery cut without major reason causing possible damage edit: Also maybe for fair power delivery test you could start roller testing which would show true difference in that aspect and could add segment attracting others interesting in such test

[@stefanhansen5882]

Awesome demonstration. I want to buy an electric 4x4 next year, one that can actually go (medium) off-road. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks a lot!

[@ckm-mkc]

I looked at one of these, specifically the PHEZ version. I passed on it for two reasons: 1. Dealer markup made it close to $50k 2. You can't custom order a car (according to local dealers) In the end, I bought a used (50k miles) Jaguar F-Pace for 40% cheaper and with a way better interior (doesn't smell like an oil refinery as a bonus).... As it turns out it's also way better off-road.

[@tmanhang]

I appreciate the shirt so much more then the reviewed car. Definitely the best shirt you have through out the videos. :)

[@chemuzio-ssir2015]

Could you review the EX Hybrid when you can and do a snow test? I’m really interested but they’re not available at dealers yet and I don’t want to put a $1,000.00 non-refundable deposit down to order one.

[@Doncan0823]

Excellent review. So you know, Smart mode in Hyundai/ Kia vehicles are programmed towards saving fuel. Need to use either normal or sport mode when attempting anything else.

[@drivingsports]

In my talks with Kia they recommended Smart for off-road. Just FYI. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Kerst12_Games]

@@drivingsports as a kia salesperson that is wrong information you were told about smart mode. for traction snow mode, fuel economy is smart mode

[@NickMcC]

I’d love to see you review the hybrid! The Tucson hybrid did pretty badly on your test trail, BUT I could see Kia retuning the system for the Sportage.

[@NickMcC]

Ah never mind. I should have watched the rest of the video. Looks like it’s doing the same thing as the Tucson where it just cuts all power. What a shame man.

[@gregbahleda7931]

According to my salesperson, if you want naximum power, put the car in "Sport" mode. This is what she recommended when pulling out onto a highway. "Smart" mode is a position that is used to get the maximum fuel economy from your vehicle. NOT FOR OFF ROAD CONDITIONS. Perhaps you should try it in "snow" mode. Also, skid plates are available for the sportage. You have to order them.

[@drivingsports]

We were recommended by Kia Corporate to use Smart mode in these conditions. Sport makes throttle more aggressive, which is not good for off-road use. It doesn't add any extra power, it just remaps the throttle position.

[@gregbahleda7931]

@@drivingsports I never suggested driving off road in "Sport" mode. I suggested trying the off road test with the car in the "Snow" mode.

[@ryzen397]

This is an example of the problem with newer vehicles with all these electronics on them. They want to tell you what the vehicle can do, not the other way around. They cut power because "the vehicle" thinks its in a dangerous situation and you as the driver do not know how to handle it. I love my old school Tacoma without these BS nannies on board.

[@coblaze1]

Yeah, what would the engineers who built the machine know about its limits. You, an expert off roader would though!

[@claygaudet5724]

Nah my tucson with traction control rips 2019 snow mud rain anything

[@nicolec7290]

You and 100 million other people

[@mikedougert6114]

Went into a Kia dealer to test drive this and liked it. 37k sticker price. Went to lease 36/15 and Kia wanted $685/month 2k down 😂. Still selling over sticker with no incentives. Told the sales guy for a 37k car that’s downright crazy. Same with Honda CRV right now

[@just_levlup]

By far the best intro!!!

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

Awesome video as usual!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Great Review, Ryan.... I love the FD3S shirt.. Yes, even if the Kia is under powered, for it being fully loaded, the $$$ cost is still under 40k.. Not bad at all.

[@trex1448]

It's 50k

[@Sam_Francis]

@@trex1448 ​It’s under $40k American. The trick is finding a dealer who will sell it at MSRP. I found one and am flying 1000 miles to get it 😅

[@patrickclayton6702]

I just got my Outback Wilderness, it has a heated steering wheel. I'm in Canada, not sure if/why that makes a difference.

[@drivingsports]

It does. Canada gets it, USA does not.

[@borkonikolcic6260]

I've been selling Jeep Dodge vehicles for more than 2 decades. I clearly explain customers what real central lock means. Large parking lot dirt and gravel, press "the magic lock button or pull the lever" no resistance while steering is fully turned, that indicates that central locking differential or viscous coupling is fake lock. Same thing applies for new Defender "rear lock". It is how they call it "rear active locking differential". Let's not full customers, proper wording would be "limited slip differential", lock terminology should not be used in advertisement. True locking transfer case and differentials front and back are standard on wrangler rubicon, gladiator rubicon, Ram power wagon. I guess people like to play with pushing buttons on nothing else but AWD vehicles 😃

[@tritchie6272]

I'm glad you tested to see if you could lay down in the back. It looks to me like this isn't the car for car camping if you want to sleep in the car. While your taller than me I am rather heavy. So if it wants to break I consider that a fail for the cargo area.

[@Wedgetail96]

Snow, mud and sand modes included in the Australian model. Very surprised that yours doesn’t have that.

[@flightmedic7634]

How does this compare to your Compass Trailhawk?

[@drivingsports]

I preferred the Compass.

[@flightmedic7634]

@@drivingsports It would be nice to see the Compass on the current course to set the standard for the compact SUVs.

[@pinkipipe]

Love this channel 👏🏻

[@mantil]

Subaru cross trek or Kia sportage???

[@brendanwilliams8818]

Just an FYI smart mode takes 45 mins to recognize how you drive as a person and then switches you between sport and eco mode or normal it doesn’t do anything for off roading… you should of had it in Normal or snow mode and you would of made it up that hill just like the other ones.

[@the_king0749]

Thanks for showing if you can sleep in it. Looking for something to stealth camp in. Might just get a Jeep Wrangler.

[@mallninja12]

I like the new 'preview' format you did about 2 minutes in. Other than it looking visually quite appealing, this car is a joke. I'm trading in my beat to **** onyx in a week or two for a Geyser Blue Outback Wilderness... that car starts around 38k and........ I would never consider this in a million years unless I solely wanted this as a mild gravel queen and was for some reason dead set on a kia. Please make an off road comparison video between an OBW and this car haha: No full size spare, can't sleep in the back with a Luno mattress... or at all apparently 😆 @4:09... Oh did I mention I also get 277lb torque on regular gas?

[@mirceaisaila1454]

When the fly went out, your first instinct was to use the knob to lower the fan speed. But that knob was for temperature. That tell us that physical buttons are way better!

[@pnwadventurist]

Tired of all these manufacturers slapping offroad badges on normal ass cars.

[@hermanjohnson9180]

For an AWD vehicle, it did well.

[@hbm_54]

You are kind of a drama queen! LOL!! Cool review. Quite disappointed at the mechanical shortcomings of the Sportage. Have you tested the new Sorento? Keep up the good work! 💪🏽😊

[@rafaelantonio540]

Love to see that Kia/Hyundai are finally putting amber rear turn signals on they’re cars.

[@MC4D.]

Also good to see the the rear turn signals aren't on the lower bumper like the Forte. I never understood why engineers would place the turn signal so low since they're supposed to be as visible as possible.

[@JDubbs07]

I wonder how this would do with better tires. I also wonder why Kia (and Hyundai) frequently leave off their full terrain management system on their US-market SUVs. In other countries there are modes for sand and mud in addition to snow. It's an odd omission.

[@drivingsports]

Most likely a licensing issue.

[@Doc1855]

Nice review. I hope the engine will last more than 100K miles

[@motogene9367]

Where is your jeep Trail hawk.. Do something in offroad with that.. Please

[@terence4427]

As always, great video! That horsepower and torque is ridiculous for nearly forty grand (though I like the interior). At least the Honda PP has a lot of power for what you pay.

[@hege750]

I know you have already reviewed the new Land Rover Defender, but could you do an off-road review again solely using your private test hill?

[@cbread208]

Nice, very informative. Thank you!

[@weekendwarrior8179]

Test the Cherokee trail hawk on the course. It’s the only crossover with an actual locker

[@kcpncfs9234]

Is it the same Theta II GDI 2.5L from a decade ago? and it sounds like the car is still running on the exact same AWD system like that in the santa fe.. like the older ones, even.

[@joser3613]

This one is equipped with the 2.5 GDI Dual Injection Smartstream engine

[@3lectronic0]

Mazda CX-50 or this one?

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

I think Kia's "Smart" mode is like ECO or something, better to use Normal. And these "lockers" are basically, actually send more than 10% to the back tyres. :)

[@zhuli693]

how's this one compare with the subaru forester ?

[@masonthomas9671]

If you’re talking about the forester wilderness trim then the Subaru will provide you with a much better awd experience, gearing that gives you better ratios for going up hills, higher ground clearance, better trail tires and under body protection. The sportage interior is by far and away better than the forester though with better tech at every level. You do get real climate control knobs on the forester though.

[@tekgamer33]

I can’t wait for you to test the CX-50 Meridian edition to see if it’s really an off-road package or just an appearance package

[@kevinstarski1598]

Appearance and slightly better tires. With black glossy interior that will get scratched horribly the moment you wipe the dust off after your first trip off road.

[@tekgamer33]

@@kevinstarski1598 Thanks. I suspected it was just an appearance package.

[@kevinstarski1598]

@@tekgamer33 Unfortunately, unless I'm wrong. Most of these packages are predominantly gimmicky...it seems such a trend these days...Prius TRD Pro might be around the corner 🙂

[@tekgamer33]

@@kevinstarski1598 I agree. Many automakers are just trying to capitalize on the off-road trend.

[@Coloradohiker658]

Great detailed review. Thanks!

[@muhammadharits3237]

Not 4WD ??

[@casey360360]

You should try a first gen Sportage. They were literally built to compete in Baja and did quite well from 93'-97'

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

should of tried the first leg in normal mode to see if that would of made a difference,then you would of had a good comparision

[@haze1123]

I can't get passed the alien grille. Too weird. Great review though!

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

No LED back plate lights?

[@kennedy9072]

Test the upcoming 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or the regular 2022 Outlander.

[@edhcb9359]

Kia barely manage to stay together on the street. Off road? Forget about it!

[@KTMcaptain]

22:50 you are wrong and Kia is closer to being correct. Actually, a locked up clutch pack behaves exactly like a differential lock. A slipping clutch pack does not, nor does it act like an open differential. So long as it stays locked, it will act exactly like a spool and locker BIASING torque (not 50/50) to the axle with the most traction. A locker CANNOT send torque to an axle than cannot generate it. An open diff is actually 50:50 as the weaker output limits the stronger traction output which means they have the same (ie 50:50) torque distribution. Which means if you lose grip on output, then the opposite output will get no torque. A locker would just send all the torque to the output with grip.

[@Reu_ag]

It doesn't have enough power to begin with yet it's still cuts power, especially when you all the power the most

[@huthafahussain4544]

I hope you try rav4 trd on this course

[@huthafahussain4544]

Will it do it?

[@23sam42]

Thanks for calling out BS. from some manufacturers ✌️

[@joser3613]

The poor performance at the begging of the course was due to the fact that it was in Smart mode. Smart Mode cuts down engine power for efficiency. Normal and Sport mode are the way to go

[@jediguy634]

Kinda surprised for an "off-road" package it doesnt have at least have a "trail" mode.

[@joser3613]

@@jediguy634 at least it did way better than the RAV4 TRD this guy did a few month back. The RAV4 couldn't even make it up a small hill

[@brian315530]

take the test with the mitsubishi outlander 2022!!

[@Supernatural4us]

There is a Infotainment Center update avaliable for months now, they thankfully removed those ugly FM tube's

[@Zanderthelab]

Would rather they copy Cadillac. Subaru: heated steering wheel and cooled seats in off road trims! I don’t think it had anything to do with the tires. BFG’s are awesome off road and in the snow.

[@denault3985]

You forgot about the regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid which have better performance and fuel economy.

[@drivingsports]

Not available in X Pro trim

[@mikewright2858]

You don't need to spend 80k for a center differential. But, it's good to call this car out as not having one. I think a lot of manufacturers are overselling the off-road capabilities of many of these little cars, and at some point, someone is going to get hurt or their vehicle seriously damaged.

[@drivingsports]

Yeah 4Runner Limited.

[@vaskodimoski5690]

​@@drivingsports pajero sport isuzu mux

[@mimaz7155]

I thought you were biased towards this car from the get go.

[@glennschwab410]

Ugh! Close to 40k, less than 190hp and only 28mpg on the highway? My 2010 RAV4 V6 gets 27mpg highway on cruise control at 75 mph. Another reason to keep her as long as possible.

[@JDubbs07]

The 2010 RAV4 V6 was only rated at 26mpg hwy, and under the 2017 calculation updates (still current) would be downrated to either 25 or 24mpg. Still, glad to hear you are happy with your vehicle.

[@victorhodgson8767]

A quick “t” shirt change as your driving to your test site ?!,

[@Hamdan.Dr.M]

May be smart mode was not the right mode for off road

[@rafaelantonio540]

I feel like the Sportage would be way better with the same powertrains as the K5, 1.6 turbo for the lower trims and then for the higher trims the 2.5 turbo.

[@nicolec7290]

Transmission can’t take it

[@rafaelantonio540]

@@nicolec7290 im pretty sure the 2.5 in the sportage and the 1.6 t k5 use the same or similar torque converter 8 speed autos.

[@ryzenforce]

"Enough with the big vertical display!" -Ryan +1 Edit: No wireless car play in this ?

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

Most of these crossovers wind up just being snowworthy. I feel like people that buy a lot of these just buy them in places where it snows a lot like Colorado. But the exception to that of course, would be just about anything in Jeep's Trailhawk line. Which are ACTUALLY off road worthy , especially Cherokee Trailhawk and Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.

[@coblaze1]

Cherokee has an AWD system. No way that is offroad worthy!

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@coblaze1 you're wrong. Even The new Wrangler has an AWD system. Cherokee Trailhawk has 56:1 crawl ratio , a rear locker , tow hooks , all terrain tires , a rear locker , and 7 skidplates... And rock sliders optional... All the new 4wd vehicles are AWD + 4wd. So not only does the Cherokee Trailhawk have 4wd capabilities it also has AWD torque vectoring capabilities. It's state of the art ... And it had it in 2014.... Wrangler tech was behind... Seriously... The new raptor is also 4wd+AWD. Ohh... And it also has crawl control, descent control and several off road modes. It has stuff the Wrangler doesn't have. I'm serious...

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@coblaze1 the Cherokee Trailhawk is one of the most off road capable crossover vehicles EVER made. Look into it . You'll be shocked...

[@coblaze1]

@@off-roadingexplained8417 Oh wow, that sounds great. Though I think you're confusing Full-Time 4WD with AWD. The new Wrangler and Rapter have Full-Time 4WD. The Cherokee has AWD. They're similar but not the same. The clutch packs in AWDs tend to overheat.

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@coblaze1 the Cherokee goes from 2wd to 4wd automatically unless a 4wd mode is selected . If a mode is selected then it stays in 4wd. It has a disconnect when it's in auto though and will change from front wheel drive to AWD/4wd. You have to pull a fuse or change settings in OBD to force it to 2wd as far as I can tell though. Forced 2wd would be front wheel drive. The difference between the Cherokee and the Wrangler until it got similar tech was that the Cherokee could send 100% of the power to the rear if needed and the Wrangler was locked in a 50 50 split in 4wd. As I understand it , the new system in the Wrangler can move power front to back if needed too. So... What you get now .. is front to back power movement and left to right with BLD and torque vectoring... Good stuff... Probably not as good as full electric motors at each wheel but it's pretty good.

[@waynefloyd2680]

I like the off road. 😅

[@lolotus4borderless]

If this rig had performed better off road it would have checked all the boxes for me... Still it's a nice package i think.

[@lee9576]

Looks like it would have if it had better tires

[@CountryZorro]

It drives me nuts that they never describe the passenger seat. There’s a 99% probability that’s where any. Additional passengers are going to be sitting. I like covering the backseat but I would like to know where my front seat partner is going to be sitting is the seat adjustable? Is the height adjustable? In most vehicles you sit when in the passenger seat You feel like you’re sitting in a hole yet they never, tell you what the passenger seat is like.

[@bscabl]

this may be covered down below in the comments but kia smart mode is trash. [i have a k5awd and live in the snowbelt] - sport or normal traction off for bad weather [snow] and snow mode for deep snow.. im assuming the rules would be similar for this.

[@TheBabadush]

Great review as always. I wish it was socially acceptable to call things what they are. Car companies are just lying at this point.